Budget freindly mini vacay to Chicago....

[kayrosek]

Is it possible? I'm thinking three or maybe four nights during the week, no weekend nights. It will be just DH and I and I figure weeknights will help with budget and are also nessessary since MIL works weekends so watching kids mid-week will be easier. Thinking late August/early September. I've never been and I'd love to go. Amtrak has a really great fare from our city, but MIL swears there is no way to do Chicago without spending a fortune. Need recomendations for everything... food, sights, etc. that won't cost a ton. Also how difficult is it to navigate? We woulden't have a car. As you can tell I have tons of qestions so all help is appreciated.TIA

 

[tazdeb]

Chicago can be had on a budget, but you have to plan ahead. First, make sure you stay "in the loop" or around Michigan Ave north of the river. That way the best resturants/shopping/sights will all be within a 2 mile radius. That will save you cab fare. Also that area has resturants for every budget and the famous Michigan ave / water tower place shopping district is right there. I would stay at the Embassy suites Downtown, free cooked to order breakfasts and a nightly manager reception (free drinks). Buy a Chicago City Pass for discounts to the sights. The lakefront is very pedestrian friendly. Tell me what you want to see and do and I'll give you more info.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Look into the Chicago City Pass which is $76 per adult and covers the major downtown attractions and museums. www.citypass.com/chicago Chicago is very easy to navigate (and you definitely wouldn't want a car here because parking is $$$), we have an extensive public transportation system that goes all over the city and you can get a 3 day pass for $14 each. You definitely don't have to spend big bucks to enjoy yourself.

 

[Abbeys_mom]

We did a four generation girls weekend (DD was 2, up to my MIL's mother who was 87) and had a blast on the cheap.

The kid's museum at Navy Pier was the highlight for the younger set. There are a TON of great museums that we thoroughly enjoyed - the Field Museum is not to be missed. Maybe try Restaurants.com or Groupon for dining options? Most museums have at least one free day a month, check their websites too.

Have fun!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

1.) Do NOT bring a car b/c most of the hotels charge somewhere in the $50.00 A NIGHT range to park your car.

2.) Check Groupon frequently, my aunt found a deal not too long ago for a hotel in the loop for $119 a night INCLUDING parking.

3.) Pick and choose what you want to do and decide if the pass is right for you. It may not be. It's mainly for museums, aside from your choice of either the top of the sears tower or john hancock museum. I doubt you want to spend every day visiting just the museums.

4.) Eat breakfast at Ann Sather's. See a Cub's game or go to one of the bars right outside and watch the game (like the Cubby Bear). Walk along the lakefront (FREE) Go to Lincoln Park Zoo (FREE) Have lunch in the Walnut Room. See a Broadway (in Chicago) show.

If you'd like more help, feel free to PM me. I love our city and I'd love to help you get more aquainted so you know what you'd like to do.

 

[HHSTigerFan]

And don't just assume it will be cheaper during the week, the big hotels can often be cheaper on the weekends as they serve the business traveler.

 

[-Hope-]

We're doing Chicago for 3 night in July and will be spending uner $1000 including our Amtrak tickets. We are going with the kids so a lot of the activities we have planned won't exactly work for you but a few you might enjoy...

Navy Pier- it's free to walk around and the atmosphere is fun. When I went with a friend a few years ago the only money we spent was on our meal and we still had lots of fun just walking around and exploring.

While the museums aren't free they are pretty cheap and have some really amazing exhibits. I've been to the Louvre in Paris and the art museum in Chicago wasn't as big but definately had the same quality of work. The Field Museum is home to Sue the T-rex and a mummy. The aquarium is also located in the same park as these other museums. A picnic in the park would be a great way to spend the afternoon.

Visiting Chinatown or Greektown is also as cheap as you want it to be. You don't have to spend a dime if you don't want but can still soak up the atmosphere.

If you want to take in a show go for a matinee to save money. I highly recommend Wicked.

Also, check out restaurant.com for some great deals on meals- lots of Chicago restaurants on there!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

Great thread! We went to Chicago for my daughter's cheer competition last year. It was at the Navy Pier. We didn't have time to do anything besides Navy Pier and dinner at the Hard Rock but we saw enough to know we'd love to go back someday. I'm saving this thread for future reference.

 

[disneydotlee]

I second hotels are cheaper. I've gotten rooms at the Hotel Monaco, a boutique hotel that will bring a goldfish to your room if you are lonely, for $129.00/night and you can walk from the train station. I love Chicago, investigate some of the neighborhood online and just window shop. You can find anything there.

 

[disneydotlee]

Sorry I got excited. Hotel rooms can be much cheaper on the weekend.

 

[kayrosek]

Thanks for the great replys everyone. Unfortunatley even if it doesn't help budget wise we are sort of stuck with weeknights as MIL is too busy on the weekends to have the kids. DH is a disabled Vet so he doesn't work and I am a SAHM who does a little freelance photography work so since we don't have to adhere to a strict schedule we work around MIL's. I'm debating the City Pass. We are museum freaks so it could be very good for us on the other hand there are a few things not on the pass I would like to do and do to DH's disability we don't do well putting too much into a day. I need to figure out a possible schedule and see if the pass would be a good deal for us. Also we are foodies so I would like to splurge on one good resteraunt if anyone has any suggestions. As far as what we would like to do we are pretty open but maybe if you knew a little about us you could offer suggestions so here are our interests.
DH:Once a Marine always a Marine: loves anything military or weapon related, major history buff, into motorcycles and a major foodie, likes art and photography. Loves music.
Me: See's life through a camera lens, raised by a professional artist so I love art in any form. Former performer: music, dance theater it's all right up my alley. Pretty major foodie.

 

[Abbeys_mom]

I dabble in photography, and that city was GREAT! Maybe a river tour? I got some great shots from that vantage point. The one thing I wish I had done was check out more Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, he is my favorite architect. I think you can find pod cast walking tours.

I did find this: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/city-guides/free-chicago-traveler/

 

[DisneyMOM09]

I'd also suggest getting a bus pass, you can ride the buses and trains to get around the city for a flat fee if you get one. They have a 1 day, 3 day, 7 day and a 30 day. We went to Chicago last summer and found that taking the train and busses were easy. I second staying in the loop. We loved the location and could walk pretty much anywhere we wanted and if it was to far, we could hop on a bus or the train easily.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

We took Amtrack to Chicago and I would totally recommend this route! We had far from a budget vacation, but our transportation expenses were minimal. We used a cab to/from train station to hotel, but relied on city busses otherwise.

We were able to use our local children's museum pass to get a greatly discounted rate at the Field Museum.

Check Travelzoo for hotel deals.

 

[4forMe]

You have already received a lot of wonderful recommendations. I would suggest you also look into taking a boat tour through the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The tours are 90 minutes long and are very highly rated.

Here is the link:

http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=592

 

[maggiew]

Thanks for the great replys everyone. Unfortunatley even if it doesn't help budget wise we are sort of stuck with weeknights as MIL is too busy on the weekends to have the kids. DH is a disabled Vet so he doesn't work and I am a SAHM who does a little freelance photography work so since we don't have to adhere to a strict schedule we work around MIL's. I'm debating the City Pass. We are museum freaks so it could be very good for us on the other hand there are a few things not on the pass I would like to do and do to DH's disability we don't do well putting too much into a day. I need to figure out a possible schedule and see if the pass would be a good deal for us. Also we are foodies so I would like to splurge on one good resteraunt if anyone has any suggestions. As far as what we would like to do we are pretty open but maybe if you knew a little about us you could offer suggestions so here are our interests.
DH:Once a Marine always a Marine: loves anything military or weapon related, major history buff, into motorcycles and a major foodie, likes art and photography. Loves music.
Me: See's life through a camera lens, raised by a professional artist so I love art in any form. Former performer: music, dance theater it's all right up my alley. Pretty major foodie.

If you like history, the Chicago History museum is fun. Its not big (like the Field museum), but is nice. They use to have free days every Monday, because I would take my students on that day. I haven't been there in a couple years, though. If you can't go on the free day, it is still relatively inexpensive. I tried to get a link to the website, but it seems the servers are temporarily down. So I couldn't check out the details for you.

Another small chicago history museum is the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River museum. It is located right at the base of the Michigan Ave. bridge. It only costs $4 ($3 over 62) to get in . Its a really really small museum but the fun thing is you can see how this bridge works and it also tells you about the chicago river. The only problem might be that you have to walk up steps and you said your DH was disabled?? not sure about elevators, etc. because some of the pictures and descriptions are along the staircase. Oh, I just looked it up and it says that the first floor gear room is accessible and then they have all the signage on a computer station so you can see the rest of the museum without having to climb the stairs. This is located right on the Riverwalk, so you can make it one stop during the day, then walk along the river some more. They are closed Tues & Wed.
http://bridgehousemuseum.org/visit/tickets/

I also recommend the river architectural tour. But that isn't so budget. Those are about $32 each. But you would be able to get GREAT pictures. http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=592

Millenium park is free and definitely worth a trip. Its a great people watching place. If you have kids, bring their suits (or wear them!) so they can play in the fountains. Looking at "The Bean" is fun too. Kids like to see their funny shapes in the "mirror" that the bean makes.
http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html

For food, I recommend getting deep dish pizza. You have to do it once if you visit. I personally prefer Giordano's and like the one at 730 N. Rush St. just off Michigan Ave. Each slice is big and filling, so order size accordingly. Its not like getting Papa Johns pizza where you might eat a few slices!

If you want someplace nice, I like Harry Caray's place. It is Italian, but it also has lots of nice Cubs memorabilia. It is located right near the river.

Maggie

 

[quagmire0]

Use http://www.hotwire.com and http://www.betterbidding.com (they have hotel description lists) for hotels. DW and I usually spend our anniversary downtown and I always find good deals - and that's on the weekend, weekdays should be even better.

The city is 'mostly' accessible on foot. If you're trying to save money, it all depends on how much you can walk. Everything should be accessible via bus or 'L' though. A car would mostly be a hindrance downtown due to having to pay for/find a place to park.

 

[quagmire0]

Also, here are the museum free days. (Expect large crowds though.)

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/.../special_events/tourism/Museum_Free_Days.html

 

[NotUrsula]

Before finalizing your dates, ALWAYS check the convention calendar and be sure that you have not chosen the same dates as a major convention (generally anything over 25K participants expected). Hotel rates go WAY up when major conventions are in town, and discounts will be essentially impossible to get on those dates.

http://www.choosechicago.com/events/pages/calendar.aspx?view=1

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Visit the Chicago Botanical Gardens, and have fun taking LOTS of pictures!

See what Broadway Shows are playing. It's one of my favorite things to do.

Visit the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Visit the "Museum Campus" (Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum all located here) and have the opportunity to get your picture taken with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the back.

Go on the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour. Lots of history and great photography opportunities.

Even just strolling through the "loop" in Chicago, will give you some great photo opportunities.

Unless it's really important to you, I'd skip Navy Pier. You aren't bringing your children and many of the activities there are geared toward families.

There are a couple of food tours in Chicago. I suggest you look on TripAdvisor (.com) and get a better idea of what you'd like to do in Chicago.

As far as foodies, go to Ann Sather's and have their cinnamon rolls. They were featured on Food Network as one of the "Best Things I Ever Ate". Although it's a chain, I also recommend Ruth's Chris. It seriously is the best steak I ever had. However, may I also suggest the Signature Room (at the top of the John Hancock building) for a "signature" Chicago experience. For something out of the ordinary and definitely romantic I suggest Geja's Cafe in Lincoln Park. It's a fondue restaurant. It was also featured on Food Network as one of the most romantic places to dine. The food is delicious. Lincoln Park is also a really neat neighborhood with lots of unique shops and places to dine. Oh, be sure to find a place to get a Chicago style hot dog and stop at Garrett's for some popcorn. Even better, grab a hot dog and some popcorn and have a picnic at Millenium Park. Here you can people watch and see the amazing structures (and get the standard picture with the "Bean").